Reducing motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries in newly motorising countries.

The link between growth in vehicle use and increasing numbers of crash deaths and injuries is explored. Studies indicate that education alone is ineffective in preventing accidents and that research-based improvements to vehicle and highway design are also required. Worthwhile measures include traffic law enforcement (such as compulsory wearing of crash helmets). In newly motorising countries, the road safety situation is compromised by the disparate mix of vehicles/pedestrians sharing the same road space. This leads to increased risk for vulnerable road users. Vehicles sold in wealthy countries have higher safety standards than vehicles sold in less motorised countries. Policy procedures for newly motorised countries, including the development of road safety research and expertise are suggested.